The Campbell Center (TCC) Inaugural Bike Race A Success

Peter Deranja, center, with his family. Peter is a client of The Campbell Center.
Peter Deranja, center, with his family. Peter is a client of The Campbell Center.

On Feb. 26, The Campbell Center (TCC) held its inaugural bike race event at the Hoover High School main gymnasium to raise funds for its mission. With music blaring, courtesy of super DJ Shai’La whose mix of songs had everyone hopping, singing along and dancing to the beat, nearly 100 participants, cheerleaders, spectators, TCC clients, board members and volunteers filled the gym. Their energy fueled bikers who pedaled their way to the finish line. Each biker rode as part of a team and also competed for their own individual place as well as their team’s prize. Prizes were awarded for most dollars raised and most miles pedaled. While friendly in spirit, the competing bikers were serious about their 20 minutes on the bike and gave it their all.

Adding to the exciting and the fun atmosphere were some of the TCC clients who brought their own brand of cheerleading to the event. Never at a loss for encouraging words or applause, the clients provided an important extra dose of motivation to bikers.

Participants of the inaugural TCC bike race gathered in the Hoover High School main gym for the fundraiser.
Participants of the inaugural TCC bike race gathered in the Hoover High School main gym for the fundraiser.

“The day was all that we hoped for and more. The excitement, fun spirit and high energy were not only palpable but made for a memorable event,” said Jodi Deranja, event chair and member of The Campbell Center foundation board. “It was so gratifying to see my nephew Peter, a client of TCC, participate as part of his brother’s team and pedal like a pro.”

Some of the sponsors of the event included Humana, Craig Strong Real Estate, Express Employment Professionals among others. Some of the teams participating in the fundraiser included the 10-member strong spin studio The Sweat Shoppe of Toluca Lake.

“We are grateful to all our participants and sponsors without whose support this event would not have been possible,” said foundation board President Todd Stokes. “The highlight of my team was 7-year-old Macalla who bikes the 20-minute heat nonstop, showing us all what real stamina is.”